Gods and Goddesses Of Ancient Greece

Mount Olympus

Greek Temples

Zeus was the god of the sky and ruled the gods of Mount Olympus. King of the Gods Zeus was the god of the sky and ruled the gods of Mount Olympus. As King of the Gods, he was the one who made and enforced their laws. He was famous for punishing the wicked and protecting the weak. Zeus had more power than any other God - he is well known for his ability to conjure up thunderbolts.

Hera Queen of the Gods Goddess of the family Hera was Zeus' wife and was the Goddess of the family and marriage. They ruled as King and Queen of Mount Olympus. Hera was famous for her bad temper and would often go out of her way to cause pain and suffering for anyone who had upset her.

Poseidon God of the sea Poseidon was Zeus' brother and one of the few Gods who did not live on Mount Olympus. Poseidon lived in the ocean and controlled the waves and weather with his trident, making him very important to sailors. Some Greeks called him 'Earth-Shaker' as they thought he moved the Earth in the same way he moved the sea.

Hades was also Zeus' brother and was in charge of the Underworld. God of the Underworld Hades was also Zeus' brother and was in charge of the Underworld. He was known as being harsh and ruthless making sure that the Underworld was guarded by a three headed dog, Cerberus who made sure no one could leave the Underworld one they had arrived. However, he was known to judge the dead fairly as they entered. His wife Persephone, goddess of plants and harvest leaves the Underworld once a year.

Ares God of war Ares, the son of Zeus and Hera, was known as a fierce warrior who was often shown wearing his armour and helmet carrying a spear, ready for battle. However, Ares was not a dependable ally as he was known to shape shift and aid both sides of a battle. He liked to start wars between humans for his own amusement.

Artemis Goddess of hunting Artemis was Zeus' daughter and had a twin brother Apollo. She was also Goddess of the moon and it was thought that she pulled the moon across the sky every night with her chariot. People prayed to Artemis to ask that she give them the perfect hunt. Artemis was often seen carrying her bow and arrow and with wild animals such as a deer or a wild boar.

Apollo God of the sun and music Artemis' twin brother, Apollo was said to pull the sun across the sky each morning by his own chariot. Apollo was considered to be the most arrogant God of all, feared by even those he favoured. He is famous for his love of music, and his favourite instrument was the lyre, given to him by the god Hermes.

Her husband was Hephaestos, the God of fire and crafts (blacksmiths). Aphrodite Goddess of Love Aphrodite was born when the drops of blood of a giant fell into the sea and mixed with the foam. Aphrodite emerged from the water fully grown. She was considered the most beautiful of all the Goddesses as she was said to enchant anyone who saw her. She is said to enjoy playing tricks on the other Gods by making them fall in love with mortal women. Her husband was Hephaestos, the God of fire and crafts (blacksmiths).

Athena was also said to have invented the flute. Goddess of Wisdom Athena was the goddess of wisdom and war and she oversaw the safety of the state Athens. She was often shown with an owl, a symbol of her wisdom, as she preferred to settle disputes by reasoning not fighting. However, Athena was known for her short temper and there are many stories of her seeking revenge on those who upset her. Athena was also said to have invented the flute.

Hermes Messenger of the Gods Hermes was the fastest of all the Gods as he has a winged hat and sandals. He was known for being mischievous and a joker, and was given the job of being messenger to the Gods to keep him out of trouble. Hermes was also known for his helpfulness towards mankind and would often helping travellers and heroes such as Perseus in their tasks.

Guess the Gods…